Bootsma bid to boost Bulldogs

Bootsma bid to boost Bulldogs - The West Australian

South Fremantle have re-listed sacked Carlton player Josh Bootsma and expect to know this weekend whether he will play for the Bulldogs for the rest of the season.

But the tall utility player may also consider forging a family reunion by joining his father and brother at Peel.

Bootsma is expected to sign a registration form with the Bulldogs before the June 30 deadline and could then rejoin his original club at any time before the end of the season.

"We are waiting to hear back from his management group," South Fremantle football manager Gary Davidson said.

"We are confident that he will come back to us this season."

Carlton sacked Bootsma this month after a series of disciplinary issues reached a head over his inappropriate use of social media.

South Fremantle immediately re-listed the 21-year-old, though the move was a formality to protect their interests in a player who was drafted from their colts three years ago.

East Fremantle have also listed former Brisbane and Melbourne big man Mitch Clark after his decision to quit the AFL for health reasons. Retired West Coast captain Darren Glass is in a similar position to Bootsma and Clark and will return to Perth's books once he is de-listed.

Though re-listing does not suggest that a player will return to his original WAFL club, it guarantees a transfer fee must be paid if he was to move elsewhere.

The player must also be registered to be eligible to play, while any clearance would have to be completed by the end of the month.

Peel have an interest in Bootsma given that his father Brad, the former Fremantle player, is their football manager and colts coach and his brother, Jayden, plays colts for the club.

Peel have permission to recruit one more player from outside their zone this year.

Bootsma played 14 AFL games after being the 22nd player selected in the 2011 national draft.